Whether to introduce additional anti-epidemic measures is yet to be discussed.
The results of the sequenced at the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases samples of persons with COVID-19 are already clear - Omicron is already in Bulgaria, 12 positive samples of the variant have been identified, said Chief State Health Inspector Assoc. Kunchev added that this is how we become the fifth Balkan country with the new version of the coronavirus.
"Everyone is fine, they drive it relatively lightly, they are on home treatment, no one needs hospitalization," said Kunchev.
Growth of those infected with COVID-19 in our country: 14% of the samples taken are positive
11 of the identified are from Sofia, 1 is from Sofia region. Only one of the infected has traveled abroad.
A total of 12 (4.4%) samples tested at the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases were with Omicron and 263 were Delta or Delta subvariants. "However, this will change quite quickly, as one of the features of Omicron is extremely efficient and fast transmission. The second is the easier course ", explained Assoc. Prof. Kunchev. "9 of those identified with Omicron are men, 3 are women. They are of all ages - from children to retirees. 7 are vaccinated, 5 are vaccinated, most over 9 months after a second needle. There are people with Moderna and Pfizer, one with Janssen. However, none of them was vaccinated with three doses, "he added.
From now on, we expect the coronavirus to spread faster and the Omicron option to become dominant in the country, which we already see as a process in many countries in Europe, as the main feature of Omicron is its faster transmission, ie. affecting a larger number of people in a short time, "said Assoc. Prof. Kunchev.
He explained that the two most important measures to deal with the epidemic situation have already been taken: "The first measure is that as an incentive to vaccinate pensioners and people over 65 - the group, in which has the highest risk of complications - the government provided a one-time supplement of BGN 75 to the pension of everyone with already vaccinated or up to the end of June vaccination. Citizens do not have to provide any documents in order to take advantage of the supplement, the data will be provided by the Ministry of Health to the National Social Security Institute electronically. The second important measure is to reduce the booster dose interval from 6 to 3 months, which is already a fact. Because the completed vaccination scheme with a booster dose provides a high level of protection, preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death.
Assoc. Prof. Kunchev called for compliance with anti-epidemic measures. Asked about their degree, he admitted that everything can be expected and depends on the situation. "What we will not compromise on is people's health, as well as bringing the health care system to its knees," said the chief state health inspector.
A change in the measures will be discussed on the first working day. An overview will be made and which country requires what measures in order for Bulgaria to be in sync, he added.
The Ministry of Health and the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases are actively monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the country, emphasizing the timely identification of options that are important for public health and in case of change, people will be informed.
